The urge to find screaming deals and beat the Black Friday crowds seems like an acceptable reason to get to Kmart for their 6 a.m. opening on Thanksgiving day.

But for Laurie Leasure, the need to help was her driving force. She is quick to describe herself as a single mom. When pressed further as to why her shopping cart was filled with perfectly pink Barbie doll boxes, she explains that she has a soft spot for kids.

There was an amicable shopping cart derby right when the doors opened, but then the buzz in Kmart quickly dispersed as shoppers went about checking things off their list. The electronics department received the biggest rush. There was a long line at the layaway desk.

The Harleman family of Tigard got everything they wanted and then some. Mom Michelle and Dad Scott patiently re-directed their son Isaac to the sale items. He had piled a cart full of wonderfully intricate lego sets.

After a couple hours, the Harlemans declared the end.

"I'm done," said a very tired Michelle who got off work at 2:30 a.m. only to stand outside the store until they opened.